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More than six years after 9/11, first responders still lack a nationwide interoperable communications network. And the latest attempt at modernization--the FCC's attempt to auction the so-called “D Block” of the 700 MHz spectrum band to a public safety-private provider partnership--fell flat. The precious “beachfront” spectrum garnered only one bid, and that well short of the block’s $1.3 billion reserve price.

Along the way, the auction generated more than usual drama and controversy. Leading bid candidate Frontline Wireless, closed its doors and withdrew from the auction at the last minute, having concluded that it could not raise sufficient capital to pursue and develop the spectrum. Immediately, allegations arose that Cyren Call, business advisor and sales agent to the Public Safety Spectrum Trust, had scared Frontline out of the auction. The FCC’s Inspector General exonerated Cyren Call and concluded that multiple uncertainties had caused Frontline to balk. Those uncertainties--licensing fees added to build out costs, spectrum availability, exposure to penalties on default, and demand projections--haven’t gone away.

What remains is a superior quality block of spectrum waiting to be dispensed, under rules not yet contrived. In its Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued May 18, the Commission aired a raft of possibilities for comment and consideration.

In just 90 minutes, this informative audio conference recording will give you the knowledge to:

• What went wrong with the first auction? What lessons were learned?
• Will the spectrum be put back up for auction without a reserve price?
• Will the block be offered again to a public safety/private provider partnership, or will it sell unencumbered?
• Will the block again be offered to a single, nationwide licensee, or will it be carved up into regional packages?
• Will the block carry open access conditions?
• Now that the new owners of the rest of the prime 700 MHz spectrum have been identified--and everyone knows that a substantial majority of the band has become the property of two huge carriers--how will that knowledge affect the thinking of the FCC, and the strategy of potential acquirers?

Join Pike & Fischer’s experienced panel of D Block experts for a thoughtful and insight-laden discussion of the issues, challenges, and opportunities still unfolding in the 700 MHz saga.

Who Attended:

• Attorneys and executives representing:
• Wireless providers
• Internet service providers
• Public safety organizations
• Online media companies
• Spectrum managers
• E-commerce companies
• Banks and financial institutions
• Telecommunications companies
• Consulting firms

Robert Rini - Partner, Rini Coran PC - Robert J. Rini's practice focuses on the representation of broadcast, fixed and mobile wireless broadband, new media and telecommunications interests before the FCC, Congress, courts and other federal and state administrative agencies. He has broad experience in general corporate, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and corporate finance, regulatory, legislative, trademark and copyright law. Mr. Rini represented several rural carriers during the recently concluded 700 MHz auction.

Richard Rowlenson - Former Vice President and General Counsel, Frontline Wireless - Richard Rowlenson served as Vice President and General Counsel at Frontline Wireless, the pioneering startup that, prior to its abrupt departure from participation in the 700 MHz auction, advocated for a private/public partnership solution to the "third pipe" problem. Rich has more than 30 years experience in various segments of the communications industry, having served for seven years as Vice President and General Counsel of Gemini Networks, a facilities-based provider of broadband services in Connecticut; as Chair of the Regulatory Committee of the Broadband Service Providers Association; and as Vice President–Law for AT&T Wireless. For 12 years, he served as an executive officer and General Counsel of Vanguard Cellular, one of the largest independent cellular carriers in the United States, serving as Vanguard’s representative on the CTIA Regulatory Committee. He began his career in a communications law firm in Washington, D.C., rising to partner. Rich received his J. D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University

Michael Calabrese - Vice President and Director, Wireless Future Program, New America Foundation - Michael Calabrese is Vice President and Director of the Wireless Future Program at the New America Foundation, a non-profit think tank based in Washington, D.C. He oversees the Foundation’s efforts to improve our nation’s management of the public airwaves and to promote ubiquitous and affordable wireless broadband access. New America advocates the reallocation of more prime spectrum both for flexibly licensed as well as for shared, unlicensed access to promote pervasive connectivity and innovation. Previously, Mr. Calabrese served as General Counsel of the Congressional Joint Economic Committee and as a counsel at the national AFL-CIO. Calabrese is a graduate of Stanford Business and Law Schools, where he earned a JD/MBA degree; and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned a B.A. in Economics and Government.

The Last Beachfront: What’s Next for D Block? - Recordings Now Available! Audio recording on CD-ROM -- $299

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